The Veterans at the Library held their weekly meeting at the Franklin Memorial Library Monday, February 10, at 9 a.m. With Chair Johnny Tapley presiding, they had 43 in attendance. The DAR provided breakfast consisting of cut up fruits and assorted muffins and Shari Watt provided orange juice, grape juice, apple juice, cranberry juice, milk and coffee. After the prayer by Emory Fennell and the pledge to the U.S. Flag, Chair Johnny called on Ken Tomlinson to talk about the Georgia Sheriff's Herrington Homestead. The 700 acres of beautiful, verdant farmland has been developed over the years to include a chapel, three cottages, gym, a pool and pool house and spaces for outdoor play. The boys and girls at the Homestead are involved in local schools, churches and the community life in Emanuel County. They are limited in space to 18 students, and they can even get a college education while living at the Home. Three new veterans attended the meeting, Wallace Eugene McBride, Robert Lewis Michael and Ted R. Wagner. Wallace served in the U.S. Air Force from December 1965 until February 1969. He served in Vietnam and then served in Turkey and Texas. His highest rank received was E-4. Michael served in the U.S. Army from August 8, 1975, to August 13, 2003. He served in Operation Desert Storm, in the 24th Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, in Korea, at Fort Polk, LA with the 5th Infantry Division and at Fort Belvoir, VA. Michael’s highest rank was Major. Wagner served in the U.S. Marines from 1980 until 1984. He served in the Engineers while at Camp Lejeune. Wagner’s highest rank received was PFC. Veteran James Mason closed out with a prayer.
